Monday’s solar eclipse is fast approaching and the millions of people in the path of totality are gearing up to capture it.
Georgetown area residents Greg Coman and Jody van der Kwaak are among that group, but they have an advantage over most – they are professional photographers.
The pair plans to make their way to the Hamilton area to capture the event, bringing their decades of photography experience with them. They have many words of advice for local residents who will be doing the same.
Safety first!
Our parents emphasized the importance of not looking directly at the sun when growing up. The advice may seem obvious, but many still forget it whenever an eclipse is in town. Paradoxically, amateur astronomers are more likely to damage their eyes during an eclipse.
“We tend to look at it for longer periods of time when there is an eclipse,” Coman said. “It’s the same sun we have been looking at all of our lives.”
The Halton Hills Public Library will be handing out solar glasses on Saturday (April 6). Failing that, Amazon and some brick-and-mortar shops have them for purchase also. Canadian Tire Georgetown carries them (call ahead as supplies go fast).
But bodily safety is not the only thing star-gazers should be aware of. The sun’s intense light can burn out camera sensors, whether in a DSLR or a smartphone. Much like a person’s eyes, they need to be protected.
Coman suggested getting an extra pair of solar glasses and “tape one of the eye lenses in front of your iPhone” or any other smartphone.
For those with dedicated cameras, van der Kwaak suggested getting relatively cheap filters to mount on the lens.
“They are just cardboard boxes that you can use for the eclipse,” she said. Here is one example.
Plan, plan, plan!
Greg Coman’s photos of the 2017 eclipse. The diamond ring effect can be seen. Greg Coman photo
One wrong move, and you will have to wait years to see another eclipse. Many websites can prove useful in planning the big day. The US-based National Solar Observatory has an interactive map showing the path of the eclipse.
It’s expected to begin just after 2 p.m. on April 8. Full totality – where the moon completely covers the sun – will be at 3:20 p.m. Coman and van der Kwaak advise finding a spot to photograph well before the event starts.
“I would say 1 p.m. would be a good time to be at the location,” Coman said. “Find parking, set up your equipment.”
Both have been practising their equipment set up and camera settings as the big day approaches. As the highly coveted totality lasts only a few minutes, the margin of error is slim.
“Practise beforehand if you really want stunning photos in there that are technically correct,” van der Kwaak said.
One to two hours over the weekend before will be enough. Several YouTube channels offer advice on the perfect settings for photographing the event.
It should be noted that the path of totality will not be over Halton Hills. Hamilton and Burlington are the closest places. But the view will still be stellar in Halton Hills. TimeAndDate.com has a simulation of how it will look in the municipality.
No need to break the bank with equipment
Amateur photographers may already have all the equipment they need to take photos of the eclipse. At a minimum, find a way to keep the phone or camera stable.
“The key thing is to have a steady camera. Even with an iPhone or a (different) mobile phone, I would suggest using a monopod at least. A tripod is preferable,” Coman said. “You can get a mount for your iPhone to adapt it to your tripod.”
Items like wired or wireless camera triggers, neutral density filters and telephoto lenses are not essential, but they help. Coman says he will be using a telephoto lens, specifically with a zoom range of between 70 and 200 mm. There is no silver bullet solution for capturing the eclipse. Preferences may vary from person to person.
Enjoy and capture the moment in time, not just the eclipse
The eclipse truly helps human beings realize their place in the universe. It’s meant to be remembered as much as captured.
Totality is the main event, where true pros try to capture things like Bailey beads and the diamond ring effect. But too many people get fixated on the destination and miss the journey.
van der Kwaak reminds photographers that there are other parts of the eclipse to enjoy.
“Be present in the moment and witness this once-in-a-lifetime event,” she said.
“Enjoy this event with others and witness it with your own eyes and have this imprint as a memory.”
“Make sure to also capture the environment and the people around you,” Coman added.
“For some people, it’s going to be emotional,” van der Kwaak said. “There’s going to be a certain energy and it’s also great to capture that if you can.”
More of Coman’s and van der Kwaak’s works can be found through their Instagram handles:
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
